Name: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Cubed for even cooking); 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Your favorite variety for marinating); 4 ears corn (Grill the corn and cut the kernels off the cob); 1 cup light-tasting oil (Can use olive or avocado oil); 1 large egg (Optional, can omit if using mayo); 1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk (For creamy texture); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cloves garlic (Mashed and minced); 1/4 cup fresh dill (Finely chopped); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (Finely chopped); 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 8 cups romaine lettuce (Thinly sliced, or 2 small heads); 6 stalks green onions (Thinly sliced, using just the green bits); 2 cups grape tomatoes (Quartered); 15 ounces black beans (Drained and rinsed, optional for Whole30); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (Chopped); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (Chopped); 1 medium avocado (Diced)

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Exploring the Bright Flavors of BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

You know those summer days when you want something fresh yet satisfying? That’s when I whip up my absolute favorite BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad. It has everything you could wish for in a meal: smoky, juicy chicken, crisp greens, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. My friends often ask me for the recipe, and it never fails to impress at gatherings or even just a cozy dinner at home.

Now, let’s dive into why this dish shines and how you can make it your own.

The Joy of Grilling

The heart of any good BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad starts with perfectly grilled chicken. For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I always cube them into uniform pieces—this not only helps them cook evenly but also makes it easier to thread them onto skewers. Toss the cubed chicken with about 3 tablespoons of avocado oil and a teaspoon of kosher salt, letting the chicken soak up those flavors.

But wait, here’s the fun part: you’ll want to fold in half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. This is a great time to prepare for the next stages, like making the dressing. Oh, and don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers ahead of time if you haven’t already! Trust me, the last thing you want is them catching fire while you grill.

Crafting the Herby-Ranch Dressing

Now, while the chicken is soaking up that tender goodness, let’s talk dip—specifically, the Herby-Ranch dressing that adds that extra zing to your salad. It’s a simple blend that feels upscale without any fuss. Start with 1 cup of a light-tasting oil, and if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a large egg (if you prefer using mayo, feel free to omit the egg).

As you blend, slowly stream in ½ cup of unsweetened full-fat coconut milk. This step is key; it helps get that creamy texture just right. After mixing, throw in a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice and red wine vinegar. Season up with a teaspoon each of kosher salt and onion powder, mashed minced garlic (2 cloves is perfect for this), and finish it off with a rainbow of fresh herbs—about ¼ cup each of finely chopped dill and parsley, plus a teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Blend this all until smooth, and let those flavors mingle!

The BBQ Process

Once your chicken is marinated and your dressing is prepped, it’s time for the grilling magic. Preheat your grill to medium-high, and take those marinated chicken pieces to thread them onto your skewers. Make sure you have fun with this part; the more colorful the skewers, the more visually appealing your salad will be!

As the chicken sizzles on the grill, brush it with more BBQ sauce. Keep an eye out; you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. I always like to add some corn as well—nothing beats that charred sweetness! You can grill 4 ears of corn until the kernels pop and then cut the kernels off the cob.

Building the Lawn Party Salad

With your chicken grilled and corn ready to go, it’s time to assemble the salad! In a large bowl, combine about 8 cups of thinly sliced romaine lettuce (or 2 small heads), 6 thinly sliced green onions (using just the green bits), and 2 cups of quartered grape tomatoes. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, toss in a 15-ounce can of black beans that you’ve drained and rinsed—but remember, skip the beans if you’re on Whole30.

Next, add that charred corn, along with roughly ¼ cup each of freshly chopped cilantro leaves and basil leaves. Oh, and don’t forget a diced avocado for that rich, creamy texture! When I include avocado, it brings everything together so wonderfully.

The Finishing Touch

Finally, top your beautiful salad with the grilled chicken skewers and give it a generous drizzle of that Herby-Ranch dressing you made earlier. Just imagine—all those flavors marrying together, the crunch of the lettuce against the tenderness of the chicken, and that burst of freshness from the herbs; it’s pure bliss.

A few years ago, I served this salad at a summer barbecue, and people were coming back for seconds and thirds—it’s that good.

Possible Variations

Now, I must say this recipe is flexible. For a little twist, you might consider adding some sliced jalapeños for a kick or swapping out the black beans for some grilled bell peppers. And if you have extra veggies lying around, throw those in too! Eating seasonal means always having the best flavors.

When There’s Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the chicken itself will hold up well for a couple of days. I often just mix it into a quick wrap or a grain bowl for lunch the next day.

Why I Can’t Get Enough

What I love most about this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is its versatility and how it caters to both light and hearty eaters. You can balance health and indulgence so beautifully. It’s like summer on a plate! It’s a dish that brings everyone together, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.

So, if you’re looking for a fresh recipe to switch things up in your kitchen, give this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad a try. I promise it will become a staple in your meal rotation, just like it did for me! For inspiration and more ideas, you might want to check out this BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad recipe from The Defined Dish, which has a few different variations that you might enjoy.

Whether it’s the smoky flavor of the chicken, the crunch of the veggies, or that creamy Herby-Ranch dressing, it all just works. Happy cooking!